1. Pink eye: Important information for prevention and management
Pink eye is another name for conjunctivitis. It is characterized by swelling, redness, irritation and
inflammation. Affected individuals often wake up with crusts formed on the lid. It occurs primarily due
to infection or as a result of allergies. Sometimes it may be secondary to another health problem which
occurred due to microbial infection. This is fairly common and all of us have been affected by it
sometime or the other during our lives. Many people are prone to recurrent episodes as well. The more
information you have about this, the better you will be able to deal with it.
Pink eye- how to deal with it:
 Hygiene is the key to prevention as well as management of this condition. One should avoid rubbing
the face, as this will expose the cornea and lashes to microorganisms and compounds which can
trigger an allergy.
 People who use contact lenses and makeup should be extra careful. Make sure that you are careful
about sterility and hygiene while using these.
 If you find yourself afflicted by this condition, then the use of warm compresses will bring you a lot
of relief. Wash your towels and bedclothes everyday to prevent the spread of infection. Wash your
face gently (after washing your hands with antiseptic soap) to remove the debris and the bacteria.
 Do not use lenses and make up while you are down with this condition. Avoid exposing yourself to
bright light and try to cut down on reading, watching television and spending time on the computer.
 Healthy diet is very important for boosting your immunity. This will not only prevent the
development of the condition, but also assist in quick healing.
 Never take any medication without consulting a doctor first. This is primarily because he will treat
you based on the symptoms. Antibiotics will not help in allergic conjunctivitis, for example. So, he
will examine you and suggest the best course of option.
 Painkillers, antihistamines, antiseptic drops are some probable treatments that he may prescribe.
Follow his instructions properly for facilitating quick and painless recovery.
 If you take appropriate rest and pay attention to the aspects of hygiene, then you will be able to
recover in under a week even without medical attention or medication of any type. However, if you
feel the pain and problems getting worse, or the situation continues unabated beyond a week, then
seek medical treatment without any delay.
 It is important to note a few other points like this is highly contagious and children are most
susceptible to it. So, precautions should be taken against all this.

2.  If you are susceptible to frequent occurrences, even though they are of the quick healing variety,
then also this is a matter of concern. Contact your doctor immediately so that he can guide you
properly.
Pink eye is by itself not a very serious problem, if you manage it properly and do not ignore it. So take
care of it from the very beginning itself.